Ring mesh scrubbing pads

ABSTRACT

A ring meshed scrubbing pad constructed of a plurality of contoured, interconnected rings forming a mesh working or scrubbing surface of the pad.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/311,648, filed Aug. 10, 2001 by Wendy Peterson.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] a. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the pads for cleaning, scouring and/or polishing purposes and the like, which pads consist of a flexible, mesh material adapted to have a contoured working surface.

[0004] b. Prior Art

[0005] Numerous constructional forms of scrubbing pads made of plastic and metallic material are known for cleaning, scouring and polishing. These pads have a working surface to provide an abrading, rubbing or polishing action. For this purpose, the flexible pad is sometimes provided with a separate surface covering or coating, which has the required abrading or polishing properties. It is also known to incorporate finely powdered abrasives or the like in the pad. Furthermore, the prior art pads are also known to consist of several elements of different hardness.

[0006] The known pads for cleaning, scouring and polishing usually comprise a smooth working or scrubbing surface which is not generally flat. However, pads are also known which have a contoured scrubbing surface. In the latter case, distinctly rounded protuberances and depressions are formed on the scrubbing surface of the pad.

[0007] The prior art pads were typically deficient in that they have a tendency to collect dirt or debris from the item being cleaned, scoured or polished.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic or metal scrubbing element or pad which has a contoured working or scrubbing surface.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a contoured working or scrubbing surface for a mesh scrubbing pad, which surface is more effective in cleaning, scouring and/or polishing and which provides an automatic self cleaning properties in use.

[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a contoured working or scrubbing surface for a ring mesh scrubbing pad, wherein the rings forming the mesh can move independently of each other.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a contoured working or scrubbing surface for a ring mesh scrubbing pad, which in the preferred embodiment, have a polygonal contour shape or form, and more particularly a rectangular or square form.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of interconnected rings that form contoured working or scrubbing surface for a mesh scrubbing pad. The rings form a plurality of boss-like protuberances with sharp contour or peripheral edges distributed over the working surface of the pad. The protuberances, as a result of the deformation occurring in use of the pliable and flexible pad and the position of the bosses, develop a particularly pronounced and effective scouring or rubbing action on the surface to be treated. The result is a considerably better cleaning or scouring action.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a contoured working or scrubbing surface for a mesh scrubbing pad which permits an effective treatment of extremely uneven surfaces.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a contoured working or scrubbing surface for a mesh scrubbing pad, which enables parts of the surface to be cleaned, scoured or polished and to which access is difficult, as for example depressions, corners or reentrant angles, to be reached with the improved pad without any particular difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0015] According to the present invention, there is disclosed a scrubbing pad comprising a plurality of interconnected rings forming a ring mesh working surface of the pad for cleaning, scouring and/or polishing a surface.

[0016] According to the present invention, the interconnected rings can move independently and conform to uneven surfaces. In addition, the rings are interconnected so that they provide self cleaning properties of the pad.

[0017] Further according to the present invention, the scrubbing pad has a polygonal contour shape or form, and more particularly a rectangular or square form. It is also within the terms of the invention for the pad to have a curved contour shape or form, and more particularly an oval or circular form.

[0018] According to the present invention, the rings form a plurality of boss-like protuberances with sharp contour or peripheral edges distributed over the working surface of the pad. The rings also form a plurality of boss-like protuberances with sharp contour or peripheral edges at the intersections where the rings are interconnected.

[0019] According to the present invention, the rings are formed from a plurality of shapes from the group of shapes including oval, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes that enables the rings to interconnect with each other. The rings that are located in a region other than the edge of the pad are generally connected with four other rings.

[0020] According to the present invention, the rings are preferably constructed of a non-porous material selected from the group comprising molded plastics and formed metals. In one embodiment, the rings are circular and have a diameter typically between about ⅛th and a ⅜ths of an inch. More preferably, the rings have a diameter preferably between about an {fraction (3/16)}ths and {fraction (5/16)}ths of an inch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a plan view showing somewhat schematically a mesh element or pad according to the present invention; and

[0023]FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view showing a portion of the mesh element or pad of FIG. 1.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a pad or element 10 of ring mesh material adapted for cleaning, scouring and/or polishing a surface such as a pot or a dish. The pad 10 can have any polygonal or curved contour, shape or form, such as for example only a rectangular, square, oval, or circular form.

[0025] The ring mesh material is constructed of many interlocked or interconnected rings 12, as best shown in FIG. 2. Each of the rings 12 is preferably circular and interconnected with a plurality of other rings. Except for the edges of the pad 10, each of the rings 12 in a more central portion of the pad are generally connected with four other rings. It is also within the terms of the present invention to form the rings of another shape such as oval, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, polygonal or any other desired shape which enables the rings to interconnect with each other. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rings 12 at the edges 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d (collectively 14) of the pad 10 have fewer interconnect rings 12 than the remaining rings within the pad. The number, size, and thickness/gauge of the rings 12 may vary depending on the size, shape and intended use for the pad.

[0026] For example, the diameter of each rings 12 is typically between about ⅛th and a ⅜ths of an inch and preferably between about an {fraction (3/16)}ths and {fraction (5/16)}th of an inch. Also, the rings 12 can be of different sizes among themselves.

[0027] The rings 12 are preferably constructed of a non-porous material that could be but, is not limited to molded plastics or formed metals that may, or may not be fused at their end points. The construction materials are preferably selected to be capable of being sanitized in high temperature equipment without being damaged.

[0028] A large ring 16, that may be removable, is attached to pad 10, such as at a corner to one or more of the rings 12. The ring 12 is provided so that the pad 10 can be hung from a peg or hook, etc.

[0029] An important feature of the scrubbing element or pad 10 is that the mesh rings are independently movable with respect to each other so that the pad has a contoured working or scrubbing surface between the edges 14. The rings 12 form a plurality of boss-like protuberances, such as for example at the intersection of a plurality of rings 12, with sharp contour or peripheral edges distributed over the working surface of the pad 10. The protuberances, as a result of the deformation occurring in use of the pliable and flexible pad 10 and the position of the bosses, develop a particularly pronounced and effective scouring or rubbing action on the surface to be treated resulting in considerably better cleaning or scouring action. The smooth, curved surfaces of the free floating rings 12 are also effective to clean scour and polish without gouging or scratching the working surface.

[0030] Still another important aspect of the present invention is that the rings 12 forming the mesh of pad 10 can move independently of each other so that during the cleaning, scouring and/or polishing of a surface, the and which provides an automatic self cleaning properties in use. The rings 12 are free to move with respect to each and shed any accumulation of foreign particles, debris or dirt which is on the rings to be removed or cleared off as the rings move against each other as the pad rubs against a surface being cleaned, scoured or polished.

[0031] Another feature of the invention is to provide a contoured working or scrubbing surface for the mesh scrubbing pad 10 which permits an effective treatment of extremely uneven surfaces. Moreover, the contoured working or scrubbing surface for the mesh scrubbing pad 10 enables parts of the surface to be cleaned, scoured or polished to which access is difficult, as for example depressions, corners or re-entrant angles, to be reached without any particular difficulties.

[0032] In practice, the pad 10 has even been effective to remove dough and other sticky or dried on substances without becoming gummed up or worn down like typical sponges and scouring pads. Also when constructed with a non-porous material, such as metals, metal alloys and plastic, bacterial growth is eliminated. Also, these construction materials are capable of being sanitized in high temperature equipment without being damaged. Being comprised of many free floating interlocked rings, this material will conform without resistance to uneven shapes.

[0033] In conclusion, the scrubbing mesh pad 10 enables users to scrub foreign materials from themselves and objects with less effort and in less time. The scrubbing mesh pad 10 is easier to clean when the job is finished and can be reused again, unlike disposable products.

[0034] The pad 10 of the present invention is thought to be particularly applicable and useful for the food service industries, sterile environments such as the medical or electronics beauty and personal hygiene industries, hobby and recreation industries, etc.

[0035] While the invention has been described in combination with embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A scrubbing pad, comprising a plurality of interconnected rings forming a ring mesh working surface of the pad for cleaning, scouring and/or polishing a surface.
 2. The scrubbing pad of claim 1 wherein the interconnected rings can move independently and conform to uneven surfaces.
 3. The scrubbing pad of claim 1 wherein the pad has a polygonal contour shape or form, and more particularly a rectangular or square form.
 4. The scrubbing pad of claim 1 wherein the pad has a curved contour shape or form, and more particularly an oval or circular form.
 5. The scrubbing pad of claim 1 wherein the rings form a plurality of boss-like protuberances with sharp contour or peripheral edges distributed over the working surface of the pad.
 6. The scrubbing pad of claim 5 wherein the rings form a plurality of boss-like protuberances with sharp contour or peripheral edges at the intersections where the rings are interconnected.
 7. The scrubbing pad of claim 1 wherein the rings are interconnected so that they move with respect to each other and provide self cleaning properties of the pad.
 8. The scrubbing pad of claim 1 wherein the rings are formed from a plurality of shapes from the group of shapes including oval, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes that enables the rings to interconnect with each other.
 9. The scrubbing pad of claim 8 wherein the rings located in a region other than the edge of the pad are generally connected with four other rings.
 10. The scrubbing pad of claim 8 wherein the rings are preferably constructed of a nonporous material.
 11. The scrubbing pad of claim 10 wherein the rings are preferably constructed of a nonporous material selected from the group comprising molded plastics and formed metals.
 12. The scrubbing pad of claim 10 wherein the rings are circular and have a diameter typically between about ⅛th and a ⅜ths of an inch.
 13. The scrubbing pad of claim 12 wherein the rings have a diameter preferably between about an {fraction (3/16)}ths and {fraction (5/16)}ths of an inch. 